Dental Implants
Introduction
Dental implants are one of the several options for tooth replacement therapy. The implants are devices that are surgically placed in the oral cavity, where they act as anchors for missing teeth. Dental implants are nontoxic to the human body as they are made from materials that are compatible and nonallergic to the body, such as titanium.
Dental Implant Surgical Procedure
Dental implant surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure that is carried out under local anesthesia; it typically involves several stages spread over several months. The stages of dental implant surgery include:
- Removal of the damaged tooth (if present)
- Bone grafting (this is done only in cases where the jawbone is too soft or is not thick enough)
- Placement of dental implant into jawbone
- Placement of abutment, an extension of the implant
Please note that the dental implant surgery takes months because plenty of time is needed for healing and bone growth. The healing and bone growth process helps to ensure that the artificial tooth has a strong base.
Post-Surgical Care of Dental Implants
Dental implants are durable and usually last for several years. Hence it is mandatory to treat them like regular teeth and clean them always. Dental implants are artificial teeth; thus they require the same oral hygiene as real teeth. Hygienic care of dental implants includes regular flossing, use of antibacterial mouthwash, brushing and dental checkups. If you are confused on how to clean your implants, ask your dentist; he or she would be kind enough to explain the due processes to you.
Advantages of Dental Implants
- Improved cosmetic appearance
- Speech improvement
- Improved general oral hygiene
- Dental implants are comfortable and convenient
If you have undergone tooth extraction or you are missing some teeth as a result of trauma to the oral cavity, you are probably considering dental implants. It is best advised to visit a qualified dentist for the dental implant surgery.